Cuba tours & travel

Cuba has a vintage charm. Chipping painted houses and rusting Chevys sit in front of stunning backdrops of crop plains and coasts. Discover the incredible history of this communist state as you wander through its colonial streets and revolutionary monuments. Friendly locals open their hearts and culture to travellers, and fill the streets with music and colour. Cuba’s idiosyncratic spirit wins every visitor over.

What people say

Cuba is an amazing spot to visit. A local guide with experience like Willmar helped ensured that we obtained the full benefit of the trip.

Cuba tour reviews

Ruta Bizys

This was a good introduction to Cuba. Amazing to be there when Fidel Castro died & to see the reaction. This almost compensates for no Cuban music, dancing or alcohol for most of our trip. It seems surly to complain about this when a person of such historical significance has passed away.

Colleen Kelly

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip "A Taste of Cuba" and feel that I have left with new insights and a depth of appreciation of the country which I was not expecting. The trip was a happy mix of planned experiences and time for individual exploring.

Review submitted 06 Dec 2016

Cuba trip reviews

Our Cuba trips score an average of 4.58 out of 5
based on 141 reviews in the last year.

Local culture of Cuba

Local culture of Cuba

Modern day Cubans are a unique mix of European and African descendants – and their culture is truly distinct as a result. The influence of communism has led to a nation that appreciates the simple things in life, lacking some creature comforts perhaps, but rich in cultural vitality. Cuba is praised worldwide for its high ranking of human development. Education and the arts thrive, and Cuba has a high ratio of medical doctors. Havana is Cuba’s arts capital and home to the country’s most innovative theatre, film, music and literature.

Geography & environment

Geography & environment

The Cuban archipelago sits in the sweet spot between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. It enjoys a tropical climate cooled by ocean winds, and miles of idyllic coast. The main island of Cuba is covered by fertile plains, hills and a mountain range in the south. Cuba is largely an agricultural state, so sugar cane and tobacco fields dominate the landscape, and about a fifth of the main island is a national park. Animal life in Cuba includes the smallest frog in the world (10mm), the tarantula and tropical fish that live in the coral reefs of the coast.

Shopping guide to Cuba

Shopping guide to Cuba

Coffee, rum and Cuban cigars – the famous trio of Cuban exports. In the country itself, these things can be bought for a fraction of the price. Cuban cigars are world-class in quality, Cuban rum lives up to its reputation and Cuban coffee is renowned for its organic and flavoursome qualities. Lovers of traditional arts and crafts will find Cuban markets to be a treasure-trove of handmade goods from pottery to baskets and woodcarvings. There’s also a thriving second-hand culture with market stalls selling vintage art, clothes and memorabilia from Cuba’s rich past.

Cuba festival calendar

Cuba festival calendar

Carnaval

Cuba’s very own Carnaval takes place in Havana and is among the liveliest street parties the country has to offer. Watch the parade of dancers in their stunning costumes while munching on irresistible street food.

Santiago de Cuba

It’s said that the city never sleeps during this festival. Music and dancing continues all night long, and the food and drink flow endlessly.

Havana Jazz Festival

The main Jazz festival in the country attracts talent from across the country as well as international stars. Concerts at huge halls sell out fast, but there are always impromptu street jams to jive to.

Food & drink in Cuba

Food & drink in Cuba

Cuba travel is not just about the sights and the fun, it’s about the local cuisine, an exotic treat of Spanish and Caribbean influences. A typical meal consists of rice, black beans and tender saucy meat. Ropa Veija is one of these dishes, and consists of shredded steak steeped in tomato sauce, and sides of fried plantain and yuca chips. Other classics include malango fritters and Cubano sandwiches stuffed with ham, cheese and pickles. Polish your dish off with some locally brewed beer and rum, or a mango dessert.

Further reading

Further reading

Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene

Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas

Broken Paradise by Cecilia Samartin

Take Me with You by Carlos Frias

Adios Havana by Andrew J. Rodriguez

Blessed by Thunder by Flor Fernandez Barrios

Cuba travel FAQs

Most nationalities require a ‘tour card’ to visit Cuba. This is issued instead of a visa and must be obtained from the Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country. Some airlines allow you to buy a tour card at the airport when you depart from home, but please check with your airline for more information.

American citizens, permanent residents and visa holders are subject to special rules. Please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website - travel.state.gov - for the latest advice.

Accessing the internet can be difficult and expensive in Cuba. Some hotels have internet access and there are a few government run internet cafes in the cities. Service is slow and some websites may be blocked.

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Cuba. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.